I have just had in Private H J Crosthwaite, No. 30625, of the 728
Labour Company. Perhaps you remember that before the War he was a
masseur at the Royal Baths, where he worked for twelve years. Then
he went to Bradford to take charge of a department in is line.
Crosthwaite is looking well, though he has passed through a good
deal of danger with hard work added. He told me that their main
trouble was from night attacks and air raids. With him is Harrison,
RE, son of Harrison who worked for Mr Knowles, decorator. Harrison
was a bricklayer before the War. George Ibbetson was with him
but got his discharge through sickness. He met in Calais, five or
six weeks ago, Scholes who went out originally with the 26th
Company, ASC - the same as Crosthwaite joined - but both were
transferred. Crosthwaite's eldest son George is in Mesopotamia. He
hasn't heard from him for six months. He was then in hospital at
Valeta Hospital, Malta. Since then he has gone to Mesopotamia.
Herbert, his youngest son, is in the Trench Mortar Battery, but is
now in hospital in Edmonton, London. He hasn't seen Herbert for two
years, yet on one occasion was within 200 yards of him and did not
know it. Crosthwaite himself on December 1st, 1913 [sic], broke two
ribs and was in hospital a month on the other side. He has had the
best of health since. It is refreshing to see such men as
Crosthwaite, who are so strong in their courage and determination to
do their best and to note, in the course of their narrations, that
kindly twinkle which reveals a sense of humour and a firm intention
to make the best of everything.